Events

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 or 4.

Walk-in (all ages) Kissing a frog won't turn them into a prince and touching a toad won't give you warts! Frogs and toads are our most common amphibians and are fascinating creatures. Let's learn about all the different species in Missouri, then go out to the pond to see if we can find some.

Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 or 4.

The clinic portion of the event will include safety ,regulations and wing shooting training. We will be using steel ammunition for the clinic and hunt. Each participant will be provided 3 boxes of ammunition for the hunt (12 or 20 ga.) If you wish to bring more than that, or shoot a different gauge it must be steel or other non toxic. for more information contact Mark Miller 660-530-5500

Walk-in (ages 2+)
Join us for story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! We will meet birds, mammals and all sorts of magnificent creatures! We will cross rivers, discover mysteries within the forest and fly across the prairies. Our imaginations are the only limits.

Lesson 1: Equipment, Casting and Proper Fish Handling combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn how to properly and safely cast a spincast fishing rod, parts of a fishing rod, how to fasten basic fishing tackle and how to properly handle and release a fish. Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure bait on hooks. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Ages 7 and above. All children ages 7-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Registration required (families with children ages 8+)
Archery and bow hunting are increasing in popularity! Discover the fun of this family activity as parents and kids learn the basics together. We will help you to improve your stance to shoot more consistently and accurately. The program is presented at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.

Registration required (families with children ages 6–13)
Get ready to feel the tug on your line! Join us for a fun and unique fishing experience using cane poles. No reels needed! Cane fishing poles are primitive, but their simple design makes fishing easy and exciting for anglers of any age. The program is presented at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.

Registration required (adults)
It is harvest time! September is a bountiful month not only for pawpaw’s but for persimmons and other fall fruits in Missouri. Take a hike with us and learn how to prepare delicious treats from native fall fruits. The program is presented at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.